Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment

American Water; Kearneysville (WV); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment to independently operate and maintain a wastewater facility, ensuring safe, compliant treatment under regulatory requirements.

This role performs startup/shutdown, process adjustments, and routine tests, while maintaining records and coordinating with maintenance and contractors to ensure reliable plant performance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College coursework in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing machinery and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, maintain, and adjust wastewater treatment processes and systems to ensure compliant facility operations.
• Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely and maintain inventory levels.
• Inspect equipment and coordinate repairs with maintenance staff or contractors.
• Troubleshoot complex operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate plant records including logs, tests, chemical feed data, and flow measurements.
• Respond to alarms and emergencies following established procedures.

Skills

Leadership skills

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Communication

Safety procedures

Data interpretation

Teamwork

Prioritization

Education

High School Diploma

College coursework in biology/chemistry/ENV science/engineering

Tools

PLC control systems

SCADA software

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment

Posting Start Date: 9/17/26

Primary Role

The Sr Operator, Wastewater Treatment is a licensed, skilled position responsible for the independent operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility to ensure the safe, reliable, and compliant treatment of wastewater in accordance with regulatory requirements. This role performs skilled operational duties including startup and shutdown of treatment processes, routine and periodic operational checks, process adjustments, and troubleshooting of plant systems. Responsibilities include operating and adjusting equipment such as pumping systems, chemical feeding systems, aeration and clarification processes, sludge handling systems, auxiliary equipment, and associated control and monitoring systems. Work is performed with limited supervision under the direction of the Lead Operator or of local management.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform and oversee plant startup, shutdown, and routine and non‑routine operational checks of wastewater treatment plan.
• Operate, monitor, maintain, and adjust wastewater treatment processes and systems to ensure efficient, safe, and regulatory compliant facility operations, including pumps, motors, chemical preparation and feeding systems, aeration and clarification processes, sludge handling systems, and associated control and monitoring equipment.
• Regulate wastewater and sludge flows through treatment processes in accordance with established operating procedures, permit requirements, and process conditions.
• Maintain accurate and complete plant records, including operating logs, daily worksheets, laboratory and field test results, chemical feed data, flow measurements, temperatures, levels, and other process data; prepare and submit routine and special reports in support of regulatory compliance and operational tracking.
• Load, unload, and handle treatment chemicals safely and according to established procedures. Maintain chemical inventory levels.
• Inspect mechanical and electrical equipment for proper operation and perform routine operational maintenance, lubrication, and adjustments; identify equipment deficiencies and coordinate advanced repairs with maintenance staff or contractors.
• Troubleshoot complex operational and process issues, determine appropriate corrective actions, and implement adjustments to maintain effective treatment performance.
• Conduct and evaluate field and laboratory tests to monitor treatment processes and inform operational decisions.
• Make operational adjustments to equipment, processes, and chemical feed systems based on test results, process indicators, and regulatory requirements.
• Respond to alarms, emergency conditions, and system upsets, exercising sound judgment and following established emergency response procedures
• Conduct routine safety inspections, utilize required PPE, and adhere to lockout/tagout and chemical‑handling protocols.
• Answer calls from the CSO, and relay information to operations and leadership as needed.
• May provide guidance and on‑the‑job training to entry‑level or developing operators in plant operations, safety practices, equipment care, and laboratory procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills

• Intermediate knowledge of the principles and safety practices of wastewater or water distribution, pumping, collection, and treatment, each as they may apply to area of responsibility.
• Intermediate knowledge of scientific principles related to wastewater treatment processes.
• Intermediate knowledge of the mechanical, chemical, and biological processes and related equipment, as well as an awareness and alertness regarding operational modification necessary in both routine and emergency situations. Ability to perform laboratory analyses in accordance with approved methods and procedures (e.g., Standard Methods) and interpret results for operational decision‑making.
• Knowledge of required safety procedures (PPE, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety).
• Knowledge of emergency response protocols for plant systems, equipment failures, or chemical incidents.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to clearly communicate operational changes, equipment issues, and safety concerns.
• Skill in problem‑solving, troubleshooting, and decision‑making in dynamic environments.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to train and mentor others.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors.
• Intermediate understanding of piping systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical safety as related to wastewater treatment facilities.
• Skill in identifying mechanical, electrical, or control‑system failures.
• Skill in adjusting control settings to maintain regulatory compliance and operational stability.
• Technical proficiency with computerized control systems, data entry platforms, and software used for operational monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping
• Ability to perform and interpret laboratory and field test results
• Skill in data interpretation for operational trends, lab results, and equipment performance.
• Skill in safe handling, storage, and transfer of hazardous chemicals.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks during alarms, failures, or emergency conditions.

Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• College course work in biology, chemistry, environmental science or engineering preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in mechanical, industrial, environmental, or utility work.
• Experience in servicing, maintaining, and repairing a wide variety of machinery and equipment.

License/Certifications

• Wastewater Treatment Operator License beyond entry level required to aquire within a specific timeframe.
• Valid Driver’s License

Work Schedule/Environment

• Overtime, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and/or on-call assignments required depending on operational needs.
• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions.
• Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage.
• The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
• May be required to work in buildings, in pits, manholes, on scaffoldings or in confined spaces.
• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards, airborne/blood borne pathogens, and electrical equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/ or walk and/or sit for long periods of time. Ability to safely lift, carry, push, pull, and move tools, equipment, and materials up to 80 lbs. as required. Involves crouching, stooping, and kneeling for extended or repeated periods.
• Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions. Frequently enters and exits vehicles.

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented